- LGBTQ+ concerns
- Compassion fatigue
- Guilt and shame
About Susan
Susan Bowes is an Illinois-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 15 years of professional experience. She works with people coping with grief, changes in life, low self-esteem, and LGBTQ+ related concerns. Her practice also addresses compassion fatigue and feelings of guilt and shame.
Susan keeps conversations direct and focused. She invites clients to talk through what’s happening now and what they want to change. Sessions tend to center on understanding how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and on building clearer ways of responding to hard feelings.
Her work often addresses the fallout from loss, long-term stress, and chronic health struggles. She helps people sort complicated emotions, including remorse or self-blame, and the way those feelings affect daily living. Practical steps and pacing are emphasized so progress can fit into everyday life.
Susan aims to create an open environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. She encourages small experiments between sessions and uses them to guide what comes next. The focus is on what helps a person feel more capable of handling particular situations.
She practices in Illinois and holds the LCSW credential. Sessions are conducted in English. Before booking, readers should confirm current session options and scheduling details.
Evidence-based approaches and online sessions
Susan uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach helps people identify patterns of thinking that worsen guilt and shame, and then practice new, more balanced responses. This work can help when self-blame or repetitive negative thoughts make everyday tasks harder.Another approach centers on coping skills for strong emotions. That involves short, concrete strategies to reduce distress in the moment and routines to slowly rebuild confidence and steadier mood. These techniques are useful for grief, compassion fatigue, and managing chronic illness or pain effects.
Choosing the right approach usually happens in collaboration. She will ask about your situation, goals, and what feels manageable, then recommend methods to try. Adjustments are made over time based on what helps most.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking because formats are not listed here. Many people find online sessions fit into work breaks, reduce travel time, and let them use quieter surroundings or a shorter check-in when needed. Confirm current session options and scheduling details before your first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of guilt and shame does she address?
She works with guilt and shame connected to relationships, important decisions, faith, and long-standing family patterns.
How would she approach feelings of overwhelming grief?
She helps people name the stages of grief, manage intense moments, and find practical steps to carry on day to day.
What is her professional background?
She has 15 years of professional experience and holds an LCSW credential licensed in Illinois.
Where does she practice and what credential does she hold?
She practices in Illinois and is an Illinois LCSW.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.